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SPACE

‘An impressive man and a rather quiet hero’: Sigmund Jähn, Germany’s first man in space, dies at 82

In the German Democratic Republic (GDR) he was a hero of the people, and in all of Germany he was a role model: the cosmonaut Sigmund Jähn has died at the age of 82.

Published: 23 September 2019 11:23 CEST
'An impressive man and a rather quiet hero': Sigmund Jähn, Germany’s first man in space, dies at 82
In 1978 Jähn spent seven days in space. Photo: DPA

Tributes from the political and scientific communities are pouring in for the first German in space. 

On August 26th, 1978, Sigmund Jähn launched the spacecraft Soyuz 31 from the Baikonur Space Centre in modern-day Kazakhstan to the space station Salyut 6.

Together with the Soviet cosmonaut Waleri Bykovsky (1934-2019), he was in space for seven days, 20 hours and 49 minutes. It was not until 1983 that the second German, Ulf Merbold from the former West Germany, also flew into space.

Sigmund Werner Paul Jähn, born February 13th, 1937, was a lieutenant colonel in the East German Army NVA. A trained book printer, he came from the town of Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz in Saxony. After training as a fighter pilot in the Air Force of the NVA, he prepared for his flight into space in 1976, receiving training from the Soviet Union.

After the reunification of Germany in 1990, Jähn was initially unemployed. He went on to work for the German Aerospace Center and the European Space Agency (ESA), training European astronauts in Russia’s Star City.

READ MORE: 10 breathtaking views of Germany from space 

His death was announced on Sunday evening by the German Aerospace Centre. In former East Germany, the cosmonaut was recognized as a “Volksheld” (a hero of the people) and enjoyed great popularity. Despite his fame, he always remained modest, making him especially admired.

Politicians and scientists have reacted with sadness and offered their condolences. “An impressive man and a rather quiet hero,” tweeted Vice Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) on Sunday.

Dietmar Bartsch, co-leader of political party Die Linke (The Left), expressed his condolences to Jähn's widow and relatives, “a real hero and yet such a humble person”.

Left-wing politician Gregor Gysi described Jähn as “very reserved and modest”. CDU General Secretary Paul Ziemiak called Jähn a true pioneer. 

He inspired millions of young people to go beyond themselves and to be curious. “All of Germany mourns for its first man in space today,” tweeted Ziemiak.

According to Tobias Hans, Chief Minister of Saarland, “there are and has been few role models like him”. And Saxony's head of government Michael Kretschmer (CDU) praised him, “I got to know him as a clever and modest Saxon. We will keep his life's work alive”.

Jahn's colleagues in space travel have also expressed their grief. “The news of the death of Sigmund Jähn has touched me deeply,” said Jan Wörner, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA).

“Whenever we met, it was very personal, a friendship had been created that was not just about space travel and his tireless support of European astronauts”.

“The first German in space always understood that he bridged a gap between East and West so that space could be explored peacefully. We will safeguard and maintain his message to earth from space in silent memory.” said Pascale Ehrenfreund, CEO of the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

The German Space Exhibition commemorates Jähn’s space flight in his hometown. Jähn, who was married and had two daughters, lived in Strausberg near Berlin. Though he always remained in touch with his hometown in the Vogtland and had a holiday home there.

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NORTHERN LIGHTS

Why the northern lights might be visible in more of Norway than usual

Current atmospheric conditions mean there's a good chance the aurora borealis will be visible across much more of Norway than normal on Friday.

Published: 19 March 2021 11:26 CET
Updated: 19 March 2021 16:54 CET
Why the northern lights might be visible in more of Norway than usual
Photo by stein egil liland from Pexels

Normally, the northern lights are only visible in northern Norway, typically between April and September.

According to the Geophysical Institute of Alaska the KP index, which is a system of measuring aurora strength, will reach Kp 5 out of a possible 9.

Anything Kp 5 and above is classed as a geomagnetic storm. This means you will be able to see the green lady a lot further south than you usually would.

The reason for this high forecast is “corona holes” (no relation to the pandemic). These are holes in the Sun’s atmosphere, where solar wind is thrown out at high speeds.

The northern lights occur when the protons and electrons from solar wind hit the particles in the Earths atmosphere and release energy.  

“You can see it down towards eastern Norway as an arc on the horizon, while in central Norway and in Trøndelag it will be right over your head.” Pål Brekke, head of space research at the Norwegian Space Center, told newspaper VG.

READ MORE:Taking pictures of the Northern Lights: 10 expert photography tips 

While there will be strong northern lights activity over large parts of the country, it does not necessarily mean that everyone will get to see it.

“It doesn’t look too promising in Nordland and Troms”, state meteorologist, Sjur Wergerland told VG.

However, he also added that the forecast looks much better further south.

Even then though there is no guarantee you will see the northern lights, according to Brekke.

“It is not certain that the northern lights will move as far south as we think, but I recommend people to follow forecasts on websites to stay up to date,” he said.

In order to see the northern lights, the weather will also have to be on your side. Clear skies are best and going to areas with no or low light pollution is important too.

If you are lucky enough to see the lights make sure you don’t wave at them. Doing so will cause the lights to lift you up and take you away according to Norwegian folklore.

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